I’ve been using these NICOSHOW compression packing cubes for a few years, and they’ve completely changed how I pack. These are designed for travelers who are tired of wrestling with overstuffed suitcases and want a smarter way to organize their gear without upgrading to a bigger bag.
The set comes with six cubes in three different sizes, all made from durable ripstop nylon that still feels lightweight. The compression zipper system is what sets them apart. You pack normally using the first zipper, then use the second zipper to flatten everything down and squeeze out excess air.
The dual-zipper setup is pretty straightforward. The brand claims up to 60% space savings—I didn’t pull out measuring tools, but I definitely fit more into my carry-on than usual. The material held up fine through airport handling and never snagged. The mesh tops also make it easy to see what’s inside, which saved me time during TSA checks. Bonus: the water-resistant fabric protected a pile of shirts when my water bottle leaked mid-flight.
Some reviewers mentioned stiff zippers, and I noticed that too—mostly on the larger cubes. Also, softer clothes like tees and joggers compress far better than jeans or chunky sweaters.
Grab the NICOSHOW compression packing cubes here and start packing smarter for your next adventure.
Why I Bought It
I needed a better system for a weekend trip where I was limited to a single backpack. My usual “roll everything and pray” technique left me with a lumpy mess and zero room for souvenirs.
I’d seen compression cubes recommended everywhere, so I picked up this six-piece set to see if they actually lived up to the hype. The variety of sizes seemed useful, and the price was low enough to test without risking much.
My goal was simple: fit more into less space without turning my bag into a stress test for zippers. And I wanted something lightweight that wouldn’t steal weight allowance before I even started packing.
Compression cubes are a must-have for me now, and I explain exactly how I use them in my full packing cube guide.
Overview: NICOSHOW Compression Packing Cubes
I just got back from a week-long trip using these NICOSHOW cubes, and the space-saving claims held up as I have come to expect. The two-zipper system lets you pack normally, zip it shut, then compress the whole cube down.
The set includes six cubes:
2 small
2 medium
2 large
I use the large cubes for sweaters and jeans, mediums for shirts, and smalls for socks and underwear. The 600D ripstop nylon feels sturdy, though the mesh tops showed minor wear after several years.
What impressed me most is how much I fit into my carry-on. I’d estimate I packed about 40% more than usual, and everything actually stayed organized instead of turning into a jumbled mess halfway through the trip.
They’re not fully waterproof, and the compression zippers get finicky if you overstuff them—but that’s true for every compression cube I’ve tried.
Key Features
Two-Zipper Compression System
This is where the magic happens. You close the cube normally with the first zipper, then tighten everything with the second zipper to squeeze out trapped air.
The compression works best with soft items like tees and sleepwear. Stiffer fabrics still compress, just not dramatically.
Durable 600D Ripstop Nylon
The material is tougher than most packing cubes in this price range. It’s water-resistant, scratch-resistant, and light enough to avoid adding noticeable weight.
After dragging one across a hotel carpet (accidentally), the fabric still looked fine.
Three Useful Sizes
Having two of each size is surprisingly helpful. I could separate clean vs. dirty clothes, split cubes between day outfits, or pack for two people if needed.
The dimensions fit perfectly in both carry-ons and backpacks without awkward gaps.
Reinforced Mesh Tops
The mesh lets me see what’s inside, breathe out moisture, and avoid rummaging around in the dark at 6 AM.
The reinforced edges are a huge win—they aren’t fraying or pulling away from the fabric, which is where most cheap cubes fail.
Real-World Packing Tips
After a few trips, here’s what actually works:
Fold clothes neatly before loading the cubes
Fill to ~80%, zip it shut, then compress
Don’t overstuff—compression zippers hate that
Use small cubes for socks/undies, medium for tops, large for bulky items
Use the mesh side up for quick ID during TSA checks
I got about 40–50% real-world space savings. Not the claimed 60%, but still a major improvement.
Pros and Cons
Pros
The compression system genuinely works
Durable material and smooth zippers
Six-piece set offers great flexibility
Keeps everything organized and stays organized
Lightweight but tough
Cons
Compression isn’t as dramatic as marketing claims
Large cubes feel oversized for carry-ons
Not fully waterproof
Compression zippers stiff when overfilled
Final Verdict
After many trips, I’m genuinely impressed. These cubes make packing easier, keep everything organized, and help me fit more into my luggage without resorting to Tetris-level stress.
They’re durable, reasonably priced, and well-designed. Just keep expectations realistic—compression is good, not magical.
If you travel with a carry-on often, these are absolutely worth picking up.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the dimensions and weight limits of the NICOSHOW compression packing cubes?
This set includes three sizes that turned out to be more useful than I expected. The small cubes measure 12 x 8 x 4 inches, the medium cubes are 14 x 10 x 4 inches, and the large cubes come in at 16 x 12 x 4 inches.
You get two of each size, which made it easy to separate clean clothes from dirty ones or split items into categories. The brand lists a 10-pound load capacity, though I didn’t weigh anything I packed.
The entire six-piece set weighs about 1.8 pounds empty, which barely adds anything to my luggage.
What materials are used in the NICOSHOW compression cubes, and are they durable for frequent travel?
These cubes are made from 600D ripstop nylon, and the durability has been better than I expected. The fabric feels light but doesn’t tear easily, and the slight water resistance protected my clothes from a leaked water bottle.
The mesh top lets me identify what’s inside without unzipping every cube. After four trips, the stitching still looks solid and the zippers glide smoothly — important, because compression zippers take more stress than normal ones.
They’re not indestructible, but they’re definitely holding up well for regular travel.
Any tips for maximizing space with the NICOSHOW compression packing cubes?
The two-zipper system took me one attempt to figure out. I zip the cube normally after loading clothes, then run the second zipper to compress everything down. Rolling clothes instead of folding them helped me fit noticeably more.
Here’s what worked best for me:
Soft fabrics (t-shirts, pajamas, underwear) compress the best
Pack each cube about 80% full before compressing
Press air out gently as you zip the compression layer
Use sizes intentionally (small = undergarments, medium = tops, large = bulkier items)
I consistently get around 40–50% space savings. The advertised 60% seems possible, but only with very compressible fabrics.
